The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.

Threaded View

A Cartographer's Dream Land

Greetings and salutations!

My name is Aaron and I am ecstatic that I have stumbled upon grand community. I've been lurking for 3 days now and decided it was time to introduce myself. I've held an interest in cartography since my youth, mainly beggining with treasure maps and nautical maps in my elementary school days. I was really into pirates and explorers. It was during middle school that I began to develop a passion with the creation of my own maps. It was during this time that I was introduced to DnD (2nd edition) and various MUD's. I'll admit I don't have any of these early creations anymore, as about 18 years or so has passed. However as I have aged so has my passion for cartography grown.

My interests lies primarily in older maps and styles from the real world and original creations. World building has been a hobby of mine for sometime, so I have great respect for those who attempt to craft their own worlds. I particullarly enjoy hand drawn maps with elegant artistic aspects and that aged parchment look.

I come to accept that my only artistic skills lie in cartography and designs/symbols... or at least I believe it does. However I am looking to improve my skills in this. I've begun looking though the tutorials and can see there is a great wealth of information and experience to draw upon.

I will be getting a new computer soon and hopefully my old scanner will be compatible... if so I hope to be posting some of my collection of original maps in the next few weeks.